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ZEBULON - The Board of Education currently held by Incumbent April Byrd. This is for a four (4) year term of office. Incumbent April Byrd is being challenged by Denise Burrell.
I am uploading 500 word or less candidate statements as I receive them at editor@pikecountytimes.com.
Denise Burrell, Challenger
I have lived in Pike County since March of 1983. Richard and I married in 1984. I got my undergraduate degree in English Education from UGA, my master’s in English Ed from Georgia State, an add-on master’s in leadership from West Georgia, and my specialist’s degree from West Georgia.
I have worked 33 years in education. I taught English for 12 years at Spalding Junior High. I was an assistant principal for one year at Flynt Middle School in Griffin, an assistant principal at Pike County High School for two years, the principal at Pike County High School for 4 years, the Career-Tech Director in Griffin for 2 years, and the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for 9 years in Griffin.
As Deputy Superintendent, I was directly responsible for curriculum and instruction, Title 1, Title 2, and Title 3. These federal programs provided for students from poverty, professional learning for staff, and for English Language Learning. I also was responsible for special education, all testing, Response to Intervention, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, 504 plans, school improvement and all software programs used for instruction. I evaluated personnel and spent most of my time in the classroom observing teachers and students.
I am in my second year of retirement and I work part time in Jasper County where I work with Title 1 and School Improvement. I know education, have worked with boards of education, and know how decisions made by the BOE directly impact students. If I am elected, I will be working for the students in this county, and my vote will always be made for what is fiscally responsible and what impacts students and their instruction positively. I also believe in transparency-our voters need to understand how a decision was made and what the effects of that decision will mean to their students, as well as the cost or the savings that go along with decisions.
I only promise one thing to the voters- if I am elected, every decision made, my decision will be made for what is best for the students.
April Byrd, Incumbent
I am married to Ron Byrd and have two children, Savannah and McKenzie. Ron and I both attended school in Pike County and have been residents of Pike County for the last 35 years. I am in my 12th year as a School Board Member and currently serve as vice-chair.
My children have been enrolled in Pike County Schools since 2003. My oldest child is a senior and will be graduating in May of this year. I believe that as the parent of children currently enrolled in our school system, I have first hand knowledge of the needs of the students in this county. My children have gone through each school in our system and that gives me a unique insight that no other currently serving board member in Pike County has.
I believe that children should be our number one focus, and I will continue to uphold my pledge to have that as my priority. I also believe that every child should have a safe, interesting, and challenging learning environment. Because all children do not learn the same way, I have supported the introduction of programs that help all children reach their full potential. Examples of such programs are dual enrollment and the new Zebulon High School and Griffin-Area College and Career Academy that will be opening in the fall of 2016.
In 2003, I became a volunteer in the school system, and I continue in that capacity. I have served as a classroom proctor during CRCT testing, as a judge for RESA Literacy Days at the Primary and Elementary Schools, as a field trip chaperone and I have helped the various PTOs in daily events at the school. I also conduct a bi-annual walk through of our schools with other board members and attend required board member training. Being a board member means more than attending meetings. It is about being involved in the life of the school as well as being an active community member.
During my tenure on this board I have helped Pike county maintain one of the region’s lowest tax school millage rates during the worst budget cuts to public education in history. Our graduation rate has increased by 25% and we continue to have a graduation rate in the high 80% range. I initiated the current senior tax break and have lobbied for more scholarship opportunities for our students. I also worked with the school administration and the other board members to identify the needs of our school during the development of the current bond referendum and ESPLOST that was recently passed by the voters. I am currently advocating reinstating the Driver’s Education Program at Pike County High School along with a Personal Finance Program for high school students.
I am asking for your vote on May 24. If re-elected I pledge to you that I will continue to work for the students of Pike County to ensure they will be prepared for jobs in the global marketplace.
Thank you